How to Make Paper Place Mats for a Bridal Shower

Dried flowers will give shower place mats a romantic flair.

One way to save money when hosting a bridal shower is by making your own paper place mats. In addition to being less expensive than store-bought versions, handmade paper place mats will give your shower table a customized touch. The crafts will brighten up the table as well as protect your tablecloth from food and drink stains. Consider the bridal shower's decor theme and colors when creating the personalized place mats to achieve a cohesive look.

Things You'll Need

• Dried flower heads or petals
• 8 1/2-by-11-inch pieces of construction paper, scrapbook paper or card stock
• Craft glue
• Clear, self-adhesive contact paper
• Craft scissors

Instructions

1. Buy or make dried flowers, such as pink roses, white daisies or purple hydrangeas. Make dried flowers by arranging fresh flower heads or petals between two pieces of wax paper. Place the flowers under a heavy book and allow the flowers to dry for one week.

2. Choose 8 1/2-by-11-inch pieces of construction paper, scrapbook paper or card stock in a color to match the shower theme.

3. Attach the dried flower heads or petals to the paper in any design or pattern using craft glue.

4. Cut a piece of clear, self-adhesive contact paper slightly larger than the place mat paper.

5. Peel the backing off of the contact paper. Press the contact paper, sticky side down, onto the place mat to seal in the flower design. Trim around the edges using scissors.

References

• Craftown.com; Leaf Placemats
• Preserved Gardens; How to Press Flowers, Leaves and Herbs